How to Optimize Chase Freedom, Discover it Cash Back for Q2 2022
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Spring is in the air, and so are Chase and Discover’s Q2 cash-back categories. This quarter, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and select Discover cards like the Discover it® Cash Back can help you save, whether you’re venturing outdoors or spending from the couch.
From April 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022, eligible cards will earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly spending in the following categories (once you activate them):
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Amazon.com.
Select streaming services.
Discover it® Cash Back and select Discover cards
Gas stations.
Target.
Both cards earn 1% back on all other non-bonus category spending.
Chase cardholders must activate categories online by June 14 to earn the elevated rate, which can be earned retroactively. For eligible Discover cards, holders will earn bonus rewards from the date on which they activate categories online.
Here’s how to maximize your rewards with these cards this spring.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Let the goods come to you
If you value the convenience of virtually adding to your cart over strolling through aisles, you can earn big by shopping with Amazon this quarter. Eligible cardholders can earn 5% cash back on Amazon purchases — up to the combined quarterly cap — including Prime subscriptions, gift cards purchased on Amazon.com, digital downloads and items sold by third-party merchants through Amazon.com's marketplace.
Amazon’s wide berth of merchandise makes it easy to earn bonus rewards regardless of how you spend. And for those who spend a large chunk of their budget on groceries, this bonus category can be particularly beneficial because Amazon Fresh orders will also be eligible for 5% cash back.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to max out the category before the quarter ends, you can still take advantage of your card’s elevated rate by stocking up on Amazon gift cards now to use later.
Start a new series (or two) to binge
Many are cutting their cable cords and opting to stream their favorite shows instead. If this is you, through the end of June, you can earn 5% back when you use your eligible Chase card to pay for a variety of streaming services including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Netflix, Sling, Apple Music, SiriusXM, Spotify, YouTube TV and more.
Plus, the issuer has recently added more streaming options like HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+, Peacock and Showtime, which were not previously offered as part of the category, and which make for more opportunities to earn bonus cash back for your streaming habits.
To ensure that you don’t miss out on earning elevated rewards, consider adding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ as your payment method for any eligible streaming services that you use.
Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus rewards categories for 2023 | |
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Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31) |
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Q2 (April 1-June 30) |
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Q3 (July 1-Sept. 30) |
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Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31) |
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Discover it® Cash Back and other eligible Discover cards
Get out on the road
Rising gas prices may have you rethinking a cross-country road trip. But the good news is that your eligible Discover card can be especially valuable for maximizing rewards at the pump over the next three months. With this category, you’ll be rewarded for gas purchases as well as spending done in attached fuel station convenience stores (as long as they are classified under the same merchant category code). This means that gas station road trip snacks may earn you bonus rewards as well.
However, note that gas stations associated with wholesale clubs, supermarkets and supercenters won’t be eligible for the card’s elevated cash back, according to the issuer. So if you fill up at a Kroger gas station, for example, you won’t earn 5% cash back like you would at a Sunoco.
Stock up on essentials and nonessentials alike
If Target is your happy place, Discover might make it even harder for you to leave the store by rewarding you for spending there this quarter. Eligible cardholders will earn bonus cash back for purchases made with the retailer, including those made in-store, at Target.com and through the Target app.
Target’s extensive array of merchandise, which includes appliances, clothing, groceries and more, makes it easy to get all your spending needs covered in one place. Plus, the retailer also offers same-day delivery and curbside pickup for orders made online or through the app.
If you have both the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and an eligible Discover card, you might consider using both to maximize your grocery rewards by shopping for foodstuffs through Amazon and Target this quarter. But note that even if grocery spending takes up the largest chunk of your budget, you might find it difficult to max out both $1,500 spending caps. But like with Amazon, you can stock up on gift cards sold through the retailer to earn your card’s bonus rate now, and use them later on.
Discover bonus rewards categories for 2023 | |
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Q1 (Jan. 1–March 31) |
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Q2 (April 1–June 30) |
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Q3 (July 1–Sept. 30) |
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Q4 (Oct. 1–Dec. 31) |
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*The grocery stores category does not include grocery purchases at Walmart or Target or at other superstores or wholesale clubs. | |
on Chase's website
1.5%-5%
CashbackUnlimited Matched Cash Back
on Chase's website
1x-5x
Points60,000
Points
on Chase's website
1%-5%
Cashback$200
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